Otsuki Launches 'Mo-to Cool', a Heatstroke Prevention Neck Cooler for Cattle Featuring Phiten Technology

Otsuki Co., Ltd. (Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Shozo Otsuki; hereinafter referred to as 'our company'), which operates the cattle goods brand USIMO, has been selling contact cooling neck coolers since 2020. These coolers are highly effective in preventing heatstroke in calves and heat-induced weight loss in pre- and post-partum cows. The neck cooler is eco-friendly and safe, using no electricity, and allows for continuous long-term use through water retention in its fibers. By using ice or ice packs, it efficiently cools the blood vessels in the neck to regulate the cow's body temperature. This year, we have upgraded 'Mo-to Cool' by incorporating Phiten technology, adding relaxation and recovery effects. We have received reports that cows looking exhausted in the morning were energetically eating feed by noon after wearing the product. Please utilize it to reduce heat stress and maintain the health of your cattle.

## How to Use

1. Soak it with plenty of water (adding ice or ice packs makes the cooling effect last even longer).
2. Wrap it around the cow's neck and secure it with the hook-and-loop fastener.

[Product Page] Contact Cooling Neck Cooler for Cows 'USIMO Contact Cooling!! Mo-to Cool' https://usimo.jp/cool.html

## USIMO Nationwide Caravan - Summer 2026

Last summer, we held the 'USIMO Nationwide Caravan', setting up booths at livestock markets nationwide from Hokkaido to Okinawa. We received feedback from many livestock farmers. One year later, we have shaped those many voices into the completed 'Mo-to Cool x Phiten'. To commemorate the launch of this new product, we will be conducting the nationwide caravan again this summer. You will be able to physically handle USIMO products and confirm their quality. We hope many livestock farmers will become familiar with our offerings.

## Background

In the summer of 2023, record-breaking heatwaves hit all of Japan, placing a massive burden on livestock. The most severe damage was caused by heatstroke in cattle. According to announcements by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), 1,234 cattle died of heatstroke nationwide between July 1 and August 31, 2023. This is more than double the number from the same period in 2022, demonstrating the devastating impact of the extreme heat on cattle. The backdrop to this expanding damage was the severe environment combining record heat with high humidity. Although many farmers had taken anti-heat measures, the heat exceeded expectations, resulting in many cases where damage could not be prevented.

The MAFF urged farmers to take measures such as 'thoroughly operating livestock barn ventilation fans and shading', 'providing adequate hydration', 'moving heat-sensitive cows to cooler areas', and 'paying close attention to physical condition management'.

Although the number of deaths is gradually decreasing, these conventional measures alone are insufficient to prevent damage from extreme heatwaves. Since even more severe heatwaves are expected in the future, more effective heat countermeasures are required.

*We have also received comments from farmers on the ground, such as 'Calves are susceptible to heat and require especially meticulous care' and 'Health condition deteriorated at the market during shipment, making transactions impossible.'

To solve these problems, our company has been developing products since 2020 that regulate a cow's body temperature by cooling the blood vessels in the neck through contact cooling.

With the desire to contribute to the health of cattle, we launched the 'Mo-to Cool', which adds Phiten's relaxation and recovery effects to the conventional contact cooling neck cooler.

## About the Cattle and Horse Goods Brand 'USIMO'

In 2019, responding to requests from livestock farmers to whom we supplied workwear, our company launched the 'USIMO' project to independently develop and sell cold-weather goods for calves.

To date, we have developed heating-wire neck warmers, heat-retaining scarves, IV fluid warmers, high-performance winter coats, zebra-print coats, and contact cooling neck coolers.

Since last year, we have been working on developing heat-relief products not just for cattle, but for animals in general.
Website: https://usimo.jp

[Product Inquiries]
Otsuki Co., Ltd. USIMO Division
0795-74-3972

## About Otsuki Co., Ltd.

Established as a workwear shop in 1962. We currently operate a total of 15 directly managed stores in Hyogo and Kyoto. Because the USIMO project started with zero know-how regarding livestock winter clothing, we travel to livestock farming sites from Hokkaido to Okinawa and are constantly improving our products. We strive to create the products that livestock farmers truly need. As a company that gives shape to farmers' 'it would be nice to have' ideas, we will continue to incorporate our workwear expertise and take action this summer.